Looking for top European business schools? Let’s break it down...Looking for top European business schools? Let’s break it down...

Top European Business Schools

1. TOP

Top European business schools are at the top because they:

Have a long-standing reputation for excellence

Remain constantly in touch with the business world and respond to its realities

Deliver innovative business management and leadership programs with real impact

Are trusted by leading organizations to prepare for the future

IMD is one such business school. The proof? Independent rankings say it all. IMD is ranked first in executive education outside the US (Financial Times 2018) and first in open programs worldwide (Financial Times 2018). IMD’s MBA is ranked number one worldwide (Forbes, 2011) and number one outside the US (The Economist, 2011).

This is why more than 9,000 executives come to IMD every year, and why on average 170+ global companies chose IMD for their customized programs each year.

2. EUROPEAN

By definition, top European business schools are located in, well, Europe. But being European is about more than just location.

Europe is not one country, not one single outlook or experience – it’s a diverse, multi-cultural continent in itself, and made even more diverse by the people attracted here from all over the world.

This makes top European business schools extremely international. Not only will you meet people from a huge range of countries, but you’ll benefit from the European experience of bridging cultures and exchanging ideas to the benefit of all.

And where better than Switzerland – a global crossroads located in the heart of Europe, and home to the open and inspiring learning environment of IMD’s beautiful campus. IMD shares its host nation's commitment to excellence while offering a truly global experience. We are intellectually and culturally diverse, with no single dominant nationality. Just look at the numbers:

Executives from 98 countries come to IMD each year

100,000+ alumni are members of 49 clubs around the world

34 different nationalities are represented in the IMD Faculty and staff

Our top-ranking programs bring together an incredibly diverse mix of global managers – maybe even the most diverse mix you will ever meet.

3. BUSINESS

Top European business schools must have a deep understanding of the constantly evolving global business environment and all its challenges – and then provide solutions. How else can they create value and impact?

At IMD, all our executive education programs focus on real-world business challenges faced by individuals, teams and organizations. We don’t just stay on top of the latest business trends – we collaborate with our clients to resolve real business issues. We do so through a unique Real World Real Learning approach which stems from our ongoing partnerships with leading international companies. Our Faculty carries out agenda-setting research and shares their thought-leadership in the classroom. This practical, problem-solving approach is how we boost performance, maximize impact and drive long-term success – for executives and companies alike.

4. SCHOOLS

Top European business schools are distinct in their organization. Some, for example, rely on a traditional academic structure with faculty hierarchy, departments and tenure systems. IMD is different – with clear benefits. Our campus on the shores of Lake Geneva may feel very “school”… but in fact we are a self-owned foundation without the constraints of university structures and academic processes. We are non-dogmatic and have no national agenda – we are just 100% focused on real-world executive development. Our only goal is to serve our clients as quickly, flexibly and effectively as possible – and so enable the development of successful global leaders.

Top European business schools. We’ve broken it down. Now if you put it back together, you’ll see what makes IMD one of the top European business schools.

Top Executive Education Searches

IMD is a top-ranked business school. According to the Financial Times, IMD ranks first in executive education and in open programs worldwide. We are the experts in developing global leaders through high-impact executive education. IMD provides leadership training such as: Executive MBA (EMBA), Business Development, Executive Coaching, Finance Courses and many more. To find articles related to executive education, please visit one of the following top searches: